Summertime circus shows will go ahead in the Newquay area this year – after the owner found a new venue.

There had been fears that the Paulo’s Circus would have to end its association with the area because the field it has used for shows across two decades is to be developed for housing.

However, the circus has announced it will be staging performances at Cubert Crossroads in High Lanes between July 28 and September 3. Previously, circus owner Kenny Darnell Jr had been told it would not be possible to use the usual field at Trevithick Manor Farm any longer because Persimmon Homes is due build an estate there.

A petition calling for the shows to continue was signed by more than 1,000 people including residents and holidaymakers who had enjoyed performances at the ‘circus field’.

Mr Darnell said: “We have found a new site. We had a health and safety officer visit and they were happy to sign it all off.

“We understand there maybe some traffic concerns but we are having a double gate and new road signage will be installed. There will also be a steward at the front of the gate during show times. There will not be a box office to purchase tickets so people will only be coming to the site during show times when traffic has died down.

“Everyone is looking forward to returning to Newquay again.

“It will be a bit weird being at a new venue. It is approximately three miles away from the circus field where we were for 20 years.

“We are not 100 per cent sure if we will return to the site at High Lanes next year. We will see how this year goes and we could be offered a new site in Newquay.

“Hopefully we will see everyone at the show.”